Chelsea break world transfer record with striker signing

Tom Weber

• 26 Jan 2024 10:49 CST
• 3 min read

Chelsea have smashed the women's transfer record with the signing of Mayra Ramirez.

After a few weeks of rumours, the Blues have at last announced the acquisition of versatile Colombian forward Mayra Ramirez, who had played a vital role in her country's thrilling run to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Chelsea signed the striker from Spanish side Levante off the back of her scoring six goals in seven outings this term, while boasting an overall record of 32 goals in 95 games in Liga F, the Spanish top flight, over the past four years.

The Blues shelled out €500,000 to acquire Ramirez, breaking the previous women's transfer record by some €30,000 18 months after it had been set. Previously, England midfielder Keira Walsh had been the world's most expensive women's player, having joined Barcelona from Man City in 2022 for €470,000.

Ramirez vows to deliver success

Ramirez was signed to replace Australian legend Sam Kerr after the 30-year-old suffered a heartbreaking ACL injury, ruling her out for the rest of the season. "Mayra is a dynamic forward who can play anywhere across the front line," Chelsea general manager Paul Green was quoted as saying in a club statement.

"We have watched her develop in Spain over the last few years and believe her style is going to suit playing in England. She has great physicality, athleticism, and a good goalscoring record. We’re all excited with what she can bring to the squad now and in the long term."

"I am very honoured to be a part of Chelsea," Ramirez said as part of the same statement. "To be part of such a huge club is a dream come true and one I’ve had since I was a little girl."

"It’s always about the collective. I want to help the team win every competition we’re in this season. It’s about achieving the objectives of the club. [The WSL] is one of the best leagues in the world."

"Spain is, of course, a good league too – and Barcelona play at the highest level. But I think the overall level of the Women's Super League is now the best. So I am very excited to discover what the league is like and enter a new environment here."